Zenit St. Petersburg secured their place in the Europa League with 1-0 win over AC Milan.

The victory was Zenit's first away win of their Champions League group campaign, and their first ever win on Italian soil.

A first-half strike from captain Danny and some stoic defending in the second half gave the Russian side the win.

Below, Sports Mole analyses the result.

Match statistics

AC Milan:
Shots: 19
On target: 6
Possession: 58%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13

Zenit St. Petersburg:
Shots: 6
On target: 1
Possession: 42%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 21

Was the result fair?

No. AC Milan's finishing may have been lacking, but Zenit only created the one good chance all match. €40,000,000 striker Hulk looked below par, and the rest of his team struggled to make up for his shortfall. On another night, Milan would have won by three or four clear goals. To be fair to Zenit, they did defend superbly in the second half, as the home side tried everything to find an equaliser. Milan played well, and probably deserved an equaliser in the second half.

AC Milan's performance

Milan looked dangerous throughout the match. It seemed a certainty that they would equalise in the second half, but their ability to find the target let them down. Their back four looked solid throughout the game, rarely letting Zenit get a shot away. Target practice will be a training priority this week.

Zenit St. Petersburg's performance

Zenit looked untidy at the back in the early stages of the game, but were solid in the second half. Their goal may have come from their only genuine goalscoring opportunity of the game, but the finish was top draw from Danny. Hulk lacked the sparkle that his price tag promises, but his teammates played well to hold on to their win.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Danny: Not only did the Zenit captain score their goal, but he controlled the midfield. Every time the visitors got the ball it seemed Danny was involved, creating the few chances they had.

Biggest gaffe

Kevin-Prince Boateng was caught napping when AC Milan tried a deep corner in the first half. His teammates set him up for a strike from 18 yards, but the former Portsmouth player was not quick enough, and Zenit cleared the ball.

Referee's performance

It was a relatively quiet night for Tony Chapron. Milan will argue that they should have had a penalty in the opening minutes, but replays proved inconclusive. When tempers flared a little between Robinho and Bruno Alves, the French referee was quick to step in. Generally Chapron let the game flow, and should not face too many complaints from either side.

What next?

AC Milan: Milan progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, and have an away tie against Torino in the Serie A at the weekend.

Zenit St. Petersburg: Zenit have a home match against Anzhi Makhachkala on Monday, and have the consolation of the Europa League for finishing third in their group.